Crime & Justice
14-year-old accidentally fatally shot by best friend since 3rd grade while playing with gun, police says
A Queens neighborhood is reeling after the tragic death of 14-year-old Jamauri Mezar, who was fatally shot inside his family’s apartment Wednesday evening in what police believe was an accidental shooting involving a group of teenagers and a firearm.
14-year-old Jamauri Mezar was fatally shot inside his family’s apartment on 161st Street in Queens, New York.
Tragic and fatal incident
Police say the shooting happened Wednesday, June 25, around 5 p.m. while Jamauri and friends were playing with a gun.
A 15-year-old boy, described as a longtime friend, was arrested. He faces manslaughter and gun possession charges.
Jamauri was shot in the head and died at the scene.
His family says the boys had been friends since third grade.
“No family should have to go through this,” said his aunt, Dina Almonor to Eyewitness 7 News. “He was in his home—his safe haven.”
Jamauri Mezar remembered
Outside MS38 where Mezar attended school, classmates held a vigil with candles and balloons.
Jamauri’s mother, a nurse, returned home to find her son had died.
“We talk to our kids about guns,” Almonor said. “But once they’re with friends, it’s a different story.”
The NYPD is still investigating how the gun entered the home.
The family hopes Jamauri’s story raises awareness about youth gun violence.
“We’re losing too many young brothers and sons,” Almonor said.
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